1. Saltwater flooding can damage electric/hybrid vehicles and lithium ion batteries – causing potential fire hazards days and week later
2. If you suspect exposure to flooding, DO NOT DRIVE OR CHARGE – please have the vehicle removed by a tow company and taken to a dealer for inspection/clearance
3. Lithium ion batteries should be removed from your home – please CLICK HERE to locate a disposal location

CONSUMER COMPLAINT INFORMATION

• Insurance Consumer Helpline:  1-877-MY-FL-CFO (693-5236)
• Insurance Fraud Hotline:  1-800-378-0445
• Other Florida Department of Financial Services, Florida State Fire Marshal, or Cabinet related issues can be referred to Aubrey.Fay@myfloridacfo.com

OTHER DISASTER RELIEF INFORMATION

 As our community recovers after Hurricane Helene. For help, contact all or some of the following organizations.

Florida Disaster Fund: Florida's official private fund for assisting residents. Visit volunteerflorida.org to offer cash donations.

American Red Cross:  In addition to offering assistance, the American Red Cross takes cash gifts that will be used to help those impacted by the storm. You can give by visiting redcross.org/donate/donation.

Salvation Army:  Accepts cash donations, along with clothing, furniture, and other items. Call:  1-800-728-7825 to arrange a pick-up, or Visit:  give.helpsalvationarmy.org.

United Way Suncoast:  Has set up a page with resources for receiving assistance, along with ways you can volunteer your time as well as donate. Details are here: unitedwaysuncoast.org/disaster-recovery.

OneBlood:  Has an urgent need for blood following Helene. Visit: oneblood.org/donate-now for information on how to donate.

Volunteer Florida Partner Resources:  Disaster Legal Hotline is open to assist and refer callers: Call:  833-514-2940

Samaritan’s Purse Hotline: 1-833-747-1234

Free assistance for homeowners affected by the disaster.  Volunteers may be able to assist with the removal of personal property and furniture, flood cleanup, sanitizing with shockwave treatment, chainsaw work and debris clean-up, and temporary roof tarping.

Florida Disaster Legal Aid Helpline:  1-833-514-2940

Visit:  Florida Disaster Legal Aid

Survivors of any natural disaster seeking free civil legal assistance may apply from anywhere in the state.

Live during business hours and switches to a message-based system outside of business hours — 24/7 availability.

FEMA Disaster Assistance: Florida homeowners and renters in counties who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Hurricane Helene may be eligible for FEMA disaster assistance. Call 1-800-621-3362 or visit DisasterAssistance.gov.

The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center is open from 1-7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 30 and from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1, at the Lakewood Ranch Library.

U-Haul Co. of Western Florida: Offering one month of free self-storage or U-Box portable container usage to those needed space to secure belongings during cleanup. Call:  941-359-2413.

Bank of America: Personalized financial assistance for clients affected by Hurricane Helene. Call:  1-855-729-1764.

Florida Rotary: Sign up on RotaryFL.org to submit a needs form.

United Way 211: Calling 211 can connect you with help and referrals to local services.

Community Foundation of Sarasota County:  Season of Sharing provides one-time financial assistance for essential living expenses. Those who would like to make an impact can donate to: Season of Sharing or Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund at www.cfsarasota.org/donors/support-our-community or by sending a check (payable to Community Foundation of Sarasota County) to Attn: Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund or Season of Sharing, 2635 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34237. All donations are tax-deductible.

Pet supplies available: The Humane Society of Sarasota County's Pet Pantry is providing food and supplies for pets in need after Helene, including leashes, collars and food bowls. The Pet Pantry, at 2331 15th St, Sarasota, is open Tuesday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday from noon to 7 p.m., and Saturday form 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All supplies are subject to availability. Walk-ins are welcome.

Donations Sought:  Robert Toale and Sons Celebration of Life Center at Siesta Key is accepting donations of linens and clothing for all ages to be distributed to those affected by Hurricane Helene. Volunteers are also needed. Those in need may drive through to receive donations, or enter the building to find what they need, free of charge.

Items can be dropped at:

Robert Toale and Sons Celebration of Life Center

7454 S Tamiami Trail

Donation Hours:  Between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. through Sunday, Oct. 6.

For more information, call:  1-941-921-5755.

Suncoast Relief Night Fundraiser and Donation Drive Visit:  Suncoast Relief Night | Facebook

Help raise money for those in need and enjoy light bites, drink specials, a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle and more.

Location:  CMX CinéBistro Siesta Key

When:  Thursday, Oct. 3 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.

There will also be a donation drive to collect essentials. Saks Fifth Avenue, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

Manatee County Residents: The most urgent needs are cleaning supplies and food for both residents and essential workers.  Items needed:

• Non-perishable unused, unopened food items
• bottled water
• bleach
• mold remover
• shovels
• wheelbarrows
• trash bags
• plastic storage bins
• toilet paper
• paper towels
• gloves.

Donation drop-off locations:

• Meals on Wheels Plus (Manatee Food Bank)

  811 23rd Avenue East, Bradenton (just off US 301)  OR 10920 State Road 70, Lakewood Ranch

  Donation Hours:  8:30 am and 4:00 pm.

  Contact: www.MealsOnWheelsPLUS.org

• O'Bricks (Downtown Bradenton)

  427 12th St W, Bradenton

  Donation Hours:  Monday to Thursday: 8:00 am - 10:00 pm

  Friday and Saturday: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm

  Contact: 941-896-8860 for specific inquiries.

• Well Cycle Studio (Northwest Bradenton)

  7109 15th Ave NW, Bradenton

  Donation Hours: Monday to Thursday: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

  Contact: 941-737-2923 for specific inquiries.

• Mean Deans Local Kitchen

  6059 26th St W, Bradenton

  Donation Hours: Sunday to Thursday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Friday and Saturday: 11:00 am- 10:00 pm

  Contact: 941-251-5435 for specific inquiries.

• Additional resources:

• Crisis Clean-Up Hotline (All Parties): 1-844-965-1386
• Samaritan's Purse Hotline (Individuals): 1-833-747-1234;
• FL Baptist Disaster Relief Hotline (Individuals): 904-253-0502;

  Private Sector Hotline (Businesses): 850-815-4925

  ESF18@em.myflorida.com

• Manatee County Disaster Relief Efforts: Home - Manatee County (mymanatee.org)